Boron-induced tuning of electronic and superconducting behavior in sp <sup>2</sup> carbon: pentagraphite C <sub>8</sub> and B <sub>2</sub> C <sub>6</sub>
Boron doping is a proven strategy to tune bonding and electronic states in sp<sup>2</sup> carbon, yet its quantitative effect on lattice dynamics and ability to induce superconductivity in three-dimensional carbon allotropes remain poorly understood. Here we combine density functional theory with lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling (EPC) analysis to systematically compare the prototypical pentagraphite C<sub>8</sub> with its boron-substituted analogue B<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>. Both frameworks are dynamically stable, as verified by phonon spectra free of imaginary modes, and <i>ab initio</i> molecular dynamics. Boron incorporation reshapes the π electronic states near the Fermi level, enhances the density of states, and softens key phonon branches that strengthen EPC. Consequently, B<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub> shows a substantially larger coupling constant (<i>λ</i> = 1.06) and a predicted superconducting transition temperature of 15.4 K, contrasting with non-superconducting pentagraphite (<i>λ</i> = 0.15). Simulated X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra are provided to guide experimental synthesis and phase identification. These results highlight boron doping as a versatile approach to engineer lattice dynamics, mechanical response, and superconductivity in sp<sup>2</sup> carbon frameworks, offering design principles for lightweight superconducting carbon materials.
Authors
- Shan Jiang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7542-6143)
- Hao Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1390-0625)
- Jing Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8024-1880)
- Dan Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1217-844X)
- Ying Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7380-1098)
Institutions
- Changchun University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Changchun University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cp03942h
- Primary Topic
- Boron and Carbon Nanomaterials Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00